Born in Cape Town in 1906, Brand went on to play 16 times for the Springboks in a career spanning 10 years between 1928 and 1938.

He made his debut against New Zealand in Johannesburg in 1928 and was also a member of Benny Osler's Springboks squad that toured the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1931-32.

On that tour, he helped South Africa secure a remarkable victory against England at Twickenham with one of the longest drop goals ever recorded - reportedly measuring 85 yards from point of kick to landing.

Legendary Springbok player and coach Dr Danie Craven, a former team mate of Brand's, rated him as, "the greatest fullback I ever played with or against...Gerry was a matchwinner. I rate him, together with Bennie Osler, as a legend among legends - an unforgettable Springbok."